4:1

5:1

6:1

7:1

8:1

9:1

10:1 or more - Flatty Boom Batty!

Don't know if this has been done before, but I wanted to post a poll and see how the distribution comes out. I figure with different genres of music, styles of play, and applications, I would test the waters to see how players are using their units.

So how much do you all like to squeeze those notes? Feel free to comment on settings, styles, applications, etc. I'd be interested in your feedback as well as your votes.

I've never been one to use much compression myself, and for the past few months of rehearsals, I haven't used any at all. I try to sieze those opportunities to clean up on technique and such. Plus, I'm a minimalist when it comes to effects, and I've always had this fear that I might someday come to rely on compression too much.

I use between 4:1 and 5:1 for several reasons. First, I am sometimes a clumsy oaf, and if I accidentally hook a fingernail, I don't want to blow everyone's brains out. Secondly, the sound guy can keep my level fairly high without worrying about major variations in volume. Last, but not least, I use compression as a tone-shaping tool. I like P-style basses, and they have a pretty wide sound. Compression helps me reign in their tendency to be boomy or mushy. I very much like the "compressed P-bass sound".

I'm using a rackmount compressor that gives me a lot of control, and I'm able to use these settings without the dreaded "breathing" effect, and by adjusting attack and release times, I can get a reasonably natural sound.

I compress twice.
Once with a Threshold of -6 db and a 2:1 ratio and a soft knee for sustain and light overall compression.
Again with a Threshold of +6 db and a 6:1 ratio and a hard knee for the peaks.